The Thorny Soil
Mark 4:7, 18-19
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain… Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires of other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
What is choking out the word of God in your life?
The soil depicted here may appear aesthetically pleasing; it looks rich and fertile and ready to receive the seed. The seed begins to germinate, but beneath the surface, thorny weeds steal the grain's access to nourishment, eventually choking out the crop and overtaking it.
The thorny soil represents the heart of the person who receives the gospel but does not take root in their heart for change to take effect. Worldly pursuits and concerns such as physical appearance, their career, material possessions, or social status tend to distract those whose hearts are like thorny soil. They are more concerned about their appearance and what other people think of them than their eternal salvation. Their actions as believers can be deceiving because they appear to be faithful followers of Christ. They may attend church regularly, participate in bible studies, and display outward signs of religiosity but never truly demonstrate spiritual fruit. Those with thorny soil are likely to be uncommitted, unreliable, and preoccupied with everything but their faith. Jesus does not take precedence in their life; therefore, there is no endeavor to honor God.
They enjoy learning and gaining knowledge and have great intentions of applying God’s word. However, the world's cares and pleasures will inevitably choke out the seed. The good farmer will look for and eliminate the weeds. We, too, must diligently do this in our spiritual lives and avoid permitting the distractions of the world from controlling us. Our priorities need to be in alignment with God’s will for us. We can’t cultivate a relationship with God if we are too busy entertaining and satisfying our flesh. The things of the world are temporary and will fade away, but the word of God is eternal and has the power to transform our lives. Until we choose to remove the thorny weeds that choke his word and keep us stagnant, we will never attain God’s purpose for us.
What strategy can you implement to prioritize your relationship with Jesus?
Father God, I pray for the person whose heart is like thorny soil. Help them receive your word and intentionally pursue things with eternal value. Remove the distractions and idols in their life that steal their time away from you. Reveal the areas where they need boundaries and help them prioritize their lives according to your purpose and plan. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References:
Jeremiah 4:3; Matthew 3:10; Luke 12:15; Luke 21:34; John 15:2; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; 2 Peter 1:8; 1 John 2:15-17
